NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2020 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 Safety Ratings
The 2020 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 scores 81 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 4-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 0 recalls, and 40 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2020 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 received a 3-star rating for rollover resistance, a notable concern within its otherwise strong safety profile. This large SUV achieved an 81/100 NHTSA Safety Index, placing it in the Strong band, supported by a clean record of zero recalls. Its overall NHTSA crash-test performance was solid, but the rollover rating warrants specific consideration when evaluating the vehicle's safety characteristics.
The 2020 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 received a 4-out-of-5-star overall NHTSA crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 81 out of 100, sourced from NHTSA crash-test and recall data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 107 SUVs from 2020 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2020 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 ranks 65 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 81 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 4 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 3 stars |
| Rollover risk | 20.4% |
| Recalls on file | 0 |
| Owner complaints | 40 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 65 of 107 SUVs tested for 2020 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2020 Chevrolet Suburban 1500?
The 2020 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 holds a NHTSA Safety Index of 81 out of 100, identical to the 2019 model's score of 81. That flat year-over-year movement means no meaningful safety regression or improvement separates the two model years in index terms. What does distinguish 2020 specifically is its clean recall record: zero campaigns on file, which contributes a full 18 out of 20 points to the defect-record component of the index. Crash protection accounts for 57 of a possible 70 points, grounded in the 4-star overall and frontal ratings and the impressive 5-star side result. The rollover score of 3 stars with a 20 percent risk figure is the single most prominent safety limitation this year, a factor particularly relevant for tall-body SUV buyers. Avoidance technology scores 6 out of 10, reflecting that forward collision warning and lane departure warning are optional rather than standard, while electronic stability control is standard equipment. The 40 unverified NHTSA complaints skew heavily toward powertrain and engine allegations, a pattern worth noting on a used-market vehicle now six years old.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2020 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 perform in crash tests?
The 2020 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 received a 3-star rating for rollover resistance, presenting a 20 percent risk of rollover. This result stands as the lowest among its NHTSA evaluations, despite the dynamic tip test concluding with a "No Tip" outcome. The vehicle achieved a 4 out of 5 stars in overall crash protection and for frontal impact. Its strongest performance was in the side-crash test, where it earned a full 5 out of 5 stars.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 14185
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2020 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 have any recalls?
The 2020 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 has zero recall campaigns on file with NHTSA. No park-outside or do-not-drive advisories have been issued for this model year. Shoppers should still run a VIN check before purchase, as recall data can be updated at any time.
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2020 Chevrolet Suburban 1500?
NHTSA has logged 40 unverified owner complaints for this model year. The most frequently alleged problem areas are the Engine (14 reports), Power Train (10), and Electrical System (8), followed by Steering (4). Two crash events and one fire are alleged among these unverified reports.
40 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2020 Chevrolet Suburban 1500?
Before purchasing this 6-year-old vehicle, run the VIN through NHTSA's recall database to confirm no new campaigns have been added since the original filing period. Verify that any previously issued remedies were completed by the prior owner, as open recall work transfers with the vehicle.
- The 2020 model year carries zero NHTSA recall campaigns, the cleanest possible defect record and a key reason the index holds at 81 out of 100.
- The 3-star rollover rating with a 20 percent risk figure is the most notable crash-test limitation specific to this year's NHTSA evaluation, despite the No Tip result in the dynamic test.
- Forward collision warning and lane departure warning are listed as optional for this model year, meaning not every 2020 Suburban 1500 on the used market will be equipped with those avoidance features.
- NHTSA has received 40 unverified complaints for this model year, with Engine and Power Train allegations accounting for 24 of those reports, a concentration that used-market shoppers should note when reviewing the vehicle's history.
RANKINGSWhere the 2020 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 places
The 2020 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2020 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 safety questions
Was the 2020 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2020 Chevrolet Suburban 1500, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 81 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2020 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2020 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 earned 4 out of 5 stars for overall, 4 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 3 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 20.4%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2020 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 have?
According to NHTSA recall data, no vehicle recalls are on file for the 2020 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 as of Oct 1, 2026. Equipment recalls, if any, are excluded from the Safety Index. Run your VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm the status is current.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2020 Chevrolet Suburban 1500?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 40 owner complaints are on file for the 2020 Chevrolet Suburban 1500. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash or a fire.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Suburban 1500 years
Rivals in SUV (2020)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Infiniti Qx50 | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 2 |
| 2020 Mazda CX-3 | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2020 Mazda CX-30 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 3 |
| 2020 Volvo Xc90 T5 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2020 Volvo Xc90 T6 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2020 Volvo Xc90 T8 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 14185), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Chevrolet Suburban 1500 2020.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 65 of 107 in the SUV class for 2020.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.